Elizabeth Grandsaert, supported by the KDA Creative Corps, has been awarded $132,400 in funding to launch an innovative project called On the Farm Comics. The initiative is focused on raising awareness about water and energy conservation, climate mitigation, emergency preparedness, relief, and recovery in rural communities within the Mokelumne Wilderness area in California. On the Farm Comics successfully wrapped in May of 2024, having produced four separate comic books covering crucial topics such as wildfire evacuation, defensible spacing, plant and insect identification, avalanche safety, and tips for staying safe in the backcountry. In total, the artist produced over 200 pages of original content. Over the course of the project, Elizabeth managed to distribute 8,000 free copies of the comics from July 2023 to April 2024, reaching readers through over sixteen local businesses and organizations across Amador and Calaveras counties. The project's success in producing engaging and educational content, as well as the extensive distribution, undoubtedly positively impacted raising awareness about important environmental and safety issues in the rural communities of the Mokelumne Wilderness area. Ultimately, the project successfully educated the public on effective conservation strategies and fostered a sense of community through shared experiences.
The KDA Creative Corps received an overwhelming response to its grant program, with $21.7 million in grant application requests from 140 eligible individuals and organizations across 14 counties in the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra region of California. Elizabeth's project was one of the 20 recipients selected based on project design, artist involvement, impact on the Healthy Places Index, community engagement, and budget considerations. The California Creative Corps program aims to use arts to promote community and civic engagement and raise awareness about crucial issues such as water and energy conservation, climate change, and emergency preparedness.
All volumes are available for free to the public below.
Read More about the project here,
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Volume 1
Jax Dubois explores their home and helps their mom with wildfire preparation and property readiness for summer. Along the way, Jax meets some cool kids but discovers their irresponsible actions in the forest. This volume is an exciting lesson in wildfire preparedness and safety in the Sierra Nevadas during the dry heat of early summer.
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Volume 2
Join Jax and Marie in Volume 2 as they face the heat of wildfires, packing for evacuation, staying connected, and lending a hand with the neighbors' livestock. It's an adrenaline-fueled ride through the challenges of survival filled with useful information for anyone liv!ng in forested areas.
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Volume 3
After a long summer, Jax is ready to enjoy the snow- but harsh weather can come in any season. Learn about important topics such as avalanche safety, running generators, and staying warm during snowstorms as Jax explores the wonders of winter upcountry.
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Volume 4
The final volume rocking full color illustrations of beautiful super blooms and wildlife identification pages. This farewell episode is meant to celebrate the beauty and natural wealth of the Sierra Nevadas.